Welcome to WannaBeBig Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Forums! If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You have to REGISTER
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing topics and posts,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Why exactly are compound movements better than isolated movements?

not all compound movements are necessarily better than isolation movements.

the essence of the the difference lies more in the mechanics of most compound lifts in contrast to artificial or machine movements.

With compound lifts, you may be able to cheat the poundages a little bit through swaying, swinging, kipping, or leaning, but you are still employing functional strength against real world resistence.
Many artificial movements do not have a real world equivalence in functional mechanics. You may be able to see some specific adaptation to that stress, but it usually doesn't translate into genuine functional or power stress.

'In order to alter the inertial mass of weights, you must become one with them, like a machine, the totality of your motion is as one'

and if the guy can curl 250, he can certainly dead 600 pounds, probably a lot more. that is insane Ronnie Coleman type weight.
compounds allow one to move more weight, so this one is pretty much a no brainer.

Your stranded on an island, about to die from hunger. You see two trees. One with massive giant oranges, the other with tiny ones. You want to get the most food for the effort you put in peeling. Do you grab the small fruit or the big fruit?

Compound movements allow you to use your energy effectively and use as many muscles as possible.

Apparently compund movements yield a better response from the endocrine system as well, i.e. a hormonal response that promotes better muscle gain overall. Hormones play a huge part in the whole muscle building/fat burning process, let's not forget that.
It does remain to be said that very few people in the gym neglect upper body compound movemts (most do neglect deads and squats). I haven't seen anyone who uses solely isolation movements (usually only women do this) make any noticable gains.

Your stranded on an island, about to die from hunger. You see two trees. One with massive giant oranges, the other with tiny ones. You want to get the most food for the effort you put in peeling. Do you grab the small fruit or the big fruit?

Compound movements allow you to use your energy effectively and use as many muscles as possible.

What if you're not that hungry?

Age: 23 - Weight: 237 lbs - Height: 6'1''

S(atg) - B - DL
375 - 335 - 515

"Gaining weight and having bigger body will make you look great on any clothing. Men with strong body are very attractive to women. General people tend to admire big muscle too." -mbijay